Stability Studies on Cellular-Walled Circular Cylindrical Shells, Part II - Measured Behaviour of Model Shells

This paper presents an experimental study of the buckling load capacity of a form of cellular-walled circular cylindrical shell suggested by fossil shell remains. Five epoxy model shells were tested in axial compression, external pressure and pressure within the cells. The results confirmed predictions of buckling loads: that is, the shell stability can be significantly improved by pressurising the cells. Thus this form of shell has considerable potential as an engineering structure, particularly in marine situations.